I've been in Seville for a little over two weeks now and things are going very well. I sprained my ankle the first week while out on my first jog through the city. It's been a drain sometimes walking around the city (I live 15 minutes away from the school) as I don't really like taking the bus but the ankle sleeve I bought here has really helped with the swelling. I haven't begun reading the required book for my trip here, but I will start it soon and then after I finish I will begin to reflect on what I've seen here and the things to come.
It's been very interesting to hear and read things about the horrible economic crisis Spain is in right now. The unemployment rate is somewhere in the 20% range. Awful, just awful. Two other students and I went to a language tutoring session with 3 local people our age and they expressed how difficult it can be looking for work. It's hard to compare the US to this wonderful country because they are so different and I still have so much to learn.
Most of the Tech students are in Lagos, Portugal right now most likely on a beach having a blast. I'm happy for them but I just don't feel obligated to go on these extended excursions and spend more money. I don't need my bank account to be low every week from going away. Yes, not every week is a faculty lead excursion week where the students can choose to do more (spend more) but regardless, I'm really happy right now in the apartment interacting with my host family. I have many plans and I'm doing what I want to do.
I went walking by the river, The Guadalquivir, and I saw some incredible graffiti. I love art so it makes no difference to me that it can be seen as vandalism. It's art and therefore, I repeat, I love it.
Hasta pronto,
Gabriel
